In a vibrant ceremony held at the State Hall of Parliament Building, the Sierra Leone Female Parliamentary Caucus (SLeFPac), in collaboration with esteemed partners including the Westminster Foundation for Democracy and Orange Sierra Leone, inaugurated their new Executive Committee. This event, held on Thursday, March 14, 2024, was not only a symbolic passing of the torch but also a jubilant celebration of Orange Day, commemorating International Women’s Day 2024.
Under the theme: “Invest In Women: Amplifying Women’s Political Agenda in Parliament,” the gathering brought together a constellation of distinguished Sierra Leoneans and International Diplomats, highlighting the importance of women’s political empowerment.
In her opening remarks, Hon. Neneh Lebbie, President of the Female Caucus, expressed gratitude for the platform to reflect on achievements, address challenges, and set the course for the future. She credited the increased support from President Bio and Madam First Lady for the significant growth of their Caucus, emphasizing the crucial role of women’s emancipation, empowerment and participation in governance.
Dr. Sylvia Olayinka Blyden, Chairperson of the event, used the occasion to honor past leaders who championed women’s rights, stressing the journey towards achieving the 30% quota for women in Parliament. She urged female MPs to become the voice of the voiceless, particularly those in rural areas, while navigating challenges such as male chauvinism.
Acknowledging the collaborative efforts, representatives from various organizations pledged ongoing support for women’s empowerment. They highlighted initiatives aimed at enhancing gender inclusion and promoting democracy, reaffirming commitments to remove barriers and uphold women’s rights.
In a gesture of solidarity, both the Government and Opposition Leaders adorned the new Executive with their rosettes of authority, symbolizing bipartisan support for women’s advancement in governance. They reiterated Parliament’s dedication to promoting women’s exclusivity and participation, citing statistical data on female representation.
Hon. Abdul Kargbo, Opposition Leader, emphasized the urgency of eradicating gender-based violence and called for unity among female MPs to advance women’s interests. He praised President Bio’s support for gender inclusion and drew inspiration from global examples like India and Rwanda.
As the event concluded, Hon. Dr. Bernadette Lahai underscored the importance of sustained advocacy and policy interventions to advance the women’s agenda. She called for increased budgetary allocation to female MPs for effective parliamentary oversight and commended male MPs for their support.
The celebration of Orange Day marked not only a moment of reflection and solidarity but also a reinvigorated commitment towards achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment in Sierra Leone’s political landscape.
